Unit 3: Mental/Emotional Health Mental/Emotional Problems Mental Disorder - an illness of the mind that can affect the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of a person.

People are reluctant to seek treatment for mental/emotional problems because of: • Embarrassment or shame • Stigma or a negative label • Misconceptions and stereotypes

Classifications of Mental Disorders Organic Disorder It is caused by a physical illness or an injury that affects the brain. Possible causes: Brain tumors Infections Chemical imbalances Exposure to drugs and toxins Injuries resulting in brain damage Functional Disorder It has a psychological cause and does not involve brain damage. Possible causes: Heredity Stress Emotional conflict Fear Ineffective coping skills Disturbing events in childhood or in the recent past

Anxiety Disorder is a condition in which real or imagined fears are difficult to control. Types : General Anxiety Phobias Obsessive-compulsive disorders Panic disorders Post-traumatic stress disorders

General Anxiety - the condition of feeling uneasy or worried about what may happen all the time. Symptoms: Feelings of fear or wanting perfection Perspiration, restlessness, or muscle tension Rapid heart rate, lightheadedness, or shortness of breath Difficulty sleeping

Phobia- a strong and irrational fear of something specific. People with phobias try to avoid what they are afraid of. If they cannot, they may experience: Panic and fear Rapid heartbeat Shortness of breath Trembling A strong desire to get away

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Obsessive refers to persistent, recurrent, and unwanted thoughts that prevent people from attending to normal daily activities. Compulsive refers to repeated, irresistible behaviors.

Panic Disorder Sudden, unexplained feelings of terror. These panic attacks may occur at any time or place, but most are triggered by a particular object, condition, or situation. Symptoms include trembling, pounding heart, shortness of breath, and dizziness.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder May develop after the exposure to a terrifying event that threatened or caused physical harm.

Mood Disorder An illness that is organic by nature that affects your mind with extreme moods, and interferes with daily activities.

Depression - a prolonged feeling of helplessness, hopelessness, and sadness. Symptoms: An irritable or restless mood Withdrawal from friends and activities A change in appetite or weight Feelings of guilt or worthlessness A sense of hopelessness

2 Types of Depression Reactive Depression Medical condition Major (clinical) Depression Medical condition More serious It may result from a chemical imbalance in the brain or a genetic tendency. Reactive Depression It is a response to a stressful event. It eventually goes away as the person finds a way to manage his or her response to the event.

Mood Disorders Bipolar Disorder - extreme mood swings from depression to mania. Bipolar disorder is very serious and can cause risky behavior, even suicidal tendencies. During a Manic Phase: Tend to feel euphoric May believe they can accomplish anything Inflated self-esteem Agitation Reduced need for sleep Being more talkative Being easily distracted Sense of racing thoughts

Eating Disorders Anorexia Nervosa Bulimia Nervosa Binge Eating Possible Causes: Psychological Pressures Possible Genetic Factors Obsession with body image and thinness

Conduct Disorders – a pattern of behavior in which the rights of others or basic social rules are violated. Individuals who act out their impulses toward others

Schizophrenia - a severe mental disorder in which a person loses contact with reality. Symptoms: Delusions Hallucinations Thought disorders Paranoia

Personality Disorders People afflicted with Personality Disorders think and behave in ways that make it difficult for them to get along with others. Passive - Aggressive - often uncooperative. They resent being told what to do, yet they rely on others’ direction. They are angry over issues of control.

2. Borderline - long-term patterns of unstable or turbulent emotions, such as feelings about themselves and others. Often uncertain about their identity. As a result, their interests and values may change rapidly. These inner experiences often cause them to take impulsive actions and have chaotic relationships.

3. Antisocial - tend to be irritable, aggressive, impulsive, and violent. A person with antisocial personality disorder may: Be able to act witty and charming Be good at flattery and manipulating other people's emotions Break the law repeatedly Disregard the safety of self and others Have problems with substance abuse Lie, steal, and fight often Not show guilt or remorse Often be angry or arrogant

Why Do People Feel Suicidal? Suicide Prevention Why Do People Feel Suicidal? Challenges, responsibilities, and troubling life events can seem overwhelming. Some people try to escape their pain through suicide. This emotional overload can lead to depression or alienation.

Suicide Risk Factors Depression or other mental disorders Alcohol or drug abuse History of physical or sexual abuse History of other suicide attempts Family history of emotional disorders or suicides

Teen Suicide: Recognizing the Warning Signs:

How You Can Help Prevent Suicide Whether it is done in a serious casual or even humorous way S/he should be taken seriously. Recognize the warning signs of suicide. Never bargain with someone who is thinking about suicide. Seek adult assistance immediately Initiate a meaningful conversation. Emphasize the suicide is not the answer Try to persuade the person to seek help.

Cluster Suicides - a series of suicides occurring within a short period of time and involving several people in the same school or community. A result of pacts or agreements between two or more people to take part in suicide. Others result when individuals commit suicide in response to the suicide of a friend or a suicide that has been sensationalized in the media.

When to Seek Help for Mental/Emotional Problems Mental Disorders are serious and require medical attention just as other illnesses do. When to Seek Help for Mental/Emotional Problems The Key is Awareness: You feel trapped with no way out, or you worry all the time. Your feelings affect your sleep, eating habits, school work, job performance, or relationships. You are becoming involved with alcohol or other drugs. You are becoming increasingly aggressive, violent, or reckless.

Mental Health Professionals Psychiatrists Psychologists School psychologists Social Workers Counselors Crisis hot lines

Commonly Used Therapy Methods Psychotherapy – ongoing dialogue between a patient and a mental health professional.

Cognitive Therapy – designed to identify and correct distorted thinking patterns Behavior Therapy – focuses on changing unwanted behaviors through rewards and reinforcements.

Group Therapy – treating a group of people who have similar mental disorders. Biomedical Therapy – use of certain medications to treat or reduce symptoms of mental disorders.

Grief Response - an individual’s total response to a major loss Grief Response - an individual’s total response to a major loss. Mourning – the act of showing sorrow or grief.

The Stages of the Grieving Process : DENIAL EMOTIONAL RELEASES ANGER BARGAINING DEPRESSION REMORSE ACCEPTANCE - Your goal HOPE can be experienced during any of these stages

Coping With Crisis or Disaster Spend time with other people, and discuss your feelings. Get back to daily routines as quickly as possible. Eat nutritious foods, exercise, and get enough rest and sleep. Do something with your community to help with the crisis.